Climate change is increasingly shaping legislation and, as such, impacting businesses on a global scale. In California, a significant development is unfolding. A confidential committee within the state’s legislature is anticipated to move forward this week on two Senate bills packaged as part of the Democrats’ Climate Accountability initiative, introduced earlier this session. This powerful…
In the week ending August 25, 2023, several key rulings reshaped the landscape of patent litigation. One case particularly stands out: Volvo Penta of the Americas, LLC v. Brunswick Corp., No. 2022-1765 (Fed. Cir. (PTAB) Aug. 24, 2023). The court’s decision addressed a critical issue facing many industries: the challenge of patent claims before the…
The past two years have marked a notable increase in both federal and state efforts to address historical environmental injustices in the United States. This surge is not an overnight phenomenon; rather, it’s the fruition of long-standing advocacy work tracing back to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The growing awareness and prioritization of…
In recent years, the cannabis industry has been rapidly imprinting its mark on the U.S. economy as increasing numbers of states pass laws to legalize its consumption, both medicinally and recreationally. This growing industry, much like any other, requires the necessary safety net of insurance coverage. This is an essential requirement, not only for plant-touching…
O’Melveny & Myers chair, Brad Butwin, is renowned for his firm’s streak of impressive performance. O’Melveny & Myers has seen eight consecutive years of revenue surges that propelled it above the $1 billion mark. Even amidst the uncertainty and volatility of recent times, the firm has witnessed significant growth, with the addition of 66 lateral…
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has signalled an intention to bolster safety standards on natural gas distribution pipelines across the nation. Announcing the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking, PHMSA aims to drive forward amendments to emergency response strategies, integrity management programs, and operation manuals to…
The discussions, policies, and reforms in the North Carolina General Assembly are perpetually shaping the face of various industries in the state. According to the most recent update from Jad Supra, there are new developments of interest for legal professionals working within corporate entities, law firms, statewide associations, government vendors, Fortune 500 companies, and others…
The legal landscape of urban transportation in America, specifically ride-sharing platforms, is poised for change. The Chicago City Council is on the verge of deliberating over the regulation of rideshares, a motion primarily led by Alderman Mike Rodriguez. As the additional details unfold, whispers indicate how Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration has actively partaken in the…
Attending law school is an undeniably tough endeavour, but Boston College Law School student Samantha Perlman proves it doesn’t have to be a barrier to public service. Perlman is not only managing her studies, but she’s also aiming to become mayor of her hometown, Marlborough, Massachusetts. This prominent link between the legal academia and political…
The North Carolina General Assembly, composed of representatives from municipalities, corporate transportation entities and nonprofit organizations, among many others, continues to shape policy and advocacy, according to a recent post by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP. The firm, known for advising an array of clientele ranging from local community bodies to Fortune 500 companies, provides…
For legal professionals entrenched within the world of corporate law, the recent agreement reached between the Teamsters Union and UPS presents significant implications for the broader automotive industry. As discussed in an article by Foley & Lardner LLP, there are several elements to unpack in terms of the impact of this settlement. Firstly, the agreement…
In the legal world, where definitions often heavily influence court decisions, a recent case brought forward a question of considerable significance: What constitutes a “new” facility under the Clean Air Act (CAA)? The case in point involved the Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation LLP, which operates a refinery in St. Croix, USVI. The refinery had…
As world economies grapple with the urgency of carbon emission reductions, the United States is charting a new path in the transportation sector, spearheaded by states such as New York. In order to accelerate electric vehicle usage across the state, New York’s Legislature has now passed four vehicle charging infrastructure bills during the recent session,…
On May 5, 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed significant changes to the federal safety requirements for pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. The notice of proposed rulemaking, dubbed “Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair” (NPRM), offers regulatory amendments to the existing requirements under…
Pinsent Masons, the international law firm, has advised the Spanish engineering and construction company Técnicas Reunidas on a collaborative effort with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to speed up the process of decarbonization in Eastern European economies. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Técnicas Reunidas and the IFC, the private sector branch…
In a recent update from the North Carolina General Assembly, KTS Strategies has brought to light the extent of their unique role and vast experience in providing comprehensive policy and advocacy advice. Serving a wide range of industries and operating across federal, state, and local agencies, KTS Strategies indeed has played a pivotal role in…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under fire from Republican lawmakers, states, and industry groups for its perceived slow reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. This ruling marked out the boundaries for what is considered “waters of the United States,” and the fallout has had significant ramifications for the Army Corps…
Bill C-13, otherwise known as An Act to amend the Official Languages Act, was given Royal Assent on June 20, 2023, establishing a significant legal reform for Québec’s employees. The act will enforce the use of French as a working language for workers in federally regulated private businesses. While the exact commencement date is yet…
In a move poised to enhance the safety of pipelines and underground natural gas operations nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) declared on Aug. 2, 2023, the awarding of $64.4 million in grants to the states. Details of the development were recently released by the law firm McGuireWoods…
As legislative processes continue to evolve globally, Congress is making strides towards the revival of legislation targeted at regulating autonomous vehicles. JD Supra reports that on July 26, 2023, the legislative wheels were set in motion as the House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce convened to discuss this pressing matter. The session, earmarked by…
In response to recent technological threats, such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a revised directive addressing pipeline security, named SD-Pipeline-2021-02D (the Directive). The newly introduced directive replaces its predecessor, SD-Pipeline-2021-02C, adding to the growing series of amendments in this sphere. These changes introduced…
In an interesting turn of events, it appears that a hedge fund is not quite ready to abandon ship when it comes to Yellow Corporation. Yellow Corporation, a large North American transportation service provider, has had its fair share of economic struggles over the years. MFN Partners, the hedge fund in question, evidently sees a…